The Foundations of English Grammar Understanding the Eight Parts of Speech To build strong sentences, you must first understand the components that make them work. English grammar is based on eight fundamental parts of speech. Each plays a unique role in sentence construction, and understanding how these elements interact helps improve clarity and correctness. Nouns A noun is a word used to name a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns can be concrete (cat, city, book) or abstract (freedom, truth, anger). They often serve as the subject or object in…

Exponents Exponents are a fundamental part of algebra and are tested frequently on the ACT. Mastering exponent rules will help you simplify expressions and solve equations more efficiently. Rules of Exponents Product of Powers Rule When multiplying two exponents with the same base: a^m × a^n = a^(m+n) Example: 2^3 × 2^4 = 2^(3+4) = 2^7 = 128 Quotient of Powers Rule When dividing exponents with the same base: a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m−n) Example: 5^6 ÷ 5^2 = 5^(6−2) = 5^4 = 625 Power of a Power Rule When…

Misused Verbs and Comparatives 1. I should have studied more This mistake is extremely common, especially in informal writing and speech. The problem lies in the use of “of” instead of the correct helping verb “have.” While “should of” may sound acceptable when spoken quickly, in writing, it is clearly incorrect. Why the mistake happens: In spoken English, contractions like “should’ve” often sound like “should of,” leading many to assume that’s how it’s written. But “should’ve” is actually a shortened form of “should have,” not “should of.” Grammatical breakdown: “Should”…

Understanding the ACT and the Importance of Preparation Introduction to the ACT The ACT is a standardized test used primarily for college admissions in the United States. It serves as a comprehensive assessment of a student’s academic preparedness for college. The test evaluates proficiency across several subjects—English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing component. Each section has a specific time constraint and unique challenges that test not only knowledge but also the test-taker’s ability to work under pressure, prioritize information, and make strategic decisions quickly. Many students enter…

Understanding Modifiers and Their Role in Sentences What Is a Modifier? A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that adds descriptive detail or context to another part of a sentence. Modifiers help clarify meaning, add interest, and enrich the text by answering questions such as: Which one? What kind? How many? How? When? Where? For example: The angry cat hissed loudly. In this sentence, angry is an adjective modifying the noun cat, and loudly is an adverb modifying the verb hissed. Modifiers enhance writing by allowing the writer to…

Preparing to Read with Purpose in a Timed Exam Understanding the Test Structure Before Diving In A successful approach to a timed reading exam starts before you even begin reading. The first and most important step is to scan the entire test. You want to understand the structure, layout, and demands of the test before diving into the first passage or question. Look at how many reading passages are included, how long each passage is, and how many questions are attached to each section. Some passages may be longer but…

Understanding the Concept of Author’s Purpose What Is Author’s Purpose? Every piece of writing is crafted with a goal in mind. This goal, known as the author’s purpose, is the reason the writer chose to sit down and put thoughts into words. It is the intention behind the message—a guiding principle that shapes what is said, how it’s said, and why it’s being said in the first place. Whether a novel, news article, blog post, or scientific journal, each text is driven by a purpose. Understanding this purpose is fundamental…

Understanding the Core Differences Between Argumentative and Persuasive Writing At first glance, argumentative and persuasive writing appear very similar. Both aim to present a specific viewpoint and convince an audience. However, they differ significantly in purpose, tone, structure, and the techniques used to deliver their message. Understanding these foundational differences is essential for writers, educators, students, and professionals who wish to use the most effective style for their communication needs. What is Argumentative Writing? Argumentative writing is a formal, evidence-based mode of communication that presents a balanced analysis of a…

Understanding the Thesis Statement What is a Thesis Statement? A thesis statement is a single sentence that expresses the central idea or argument of a piece of writing. In academic writing, it appears near the beginning of a paper, typically at the end of the introduction, and serves as a guiding light for the reader. Rather than merely stating a topic, a thesis statement presents a claim or interpretation that the writer intends to explore, support, or explain through the body of the text. The thesis acts as the anchor…

Understanding the ACT Superscore – Structure and Calculation Introduction to the ACT Superscore The ACT Superscore is a newer way of evaluating student performance across multiple ACT sessions. Unlike the traditional Composite score, which reflects the average of all four subject scores from a single test date, the Superscore captures a student’s highest individual subject scores from different test dates. By doing so, it assembles a “best version” of a student’s performance, resulting in a new, often higher, score that can be submitted to colleges and universities. The intent behind…

Understanding the Function and Limits of “Because” The Purpose of “Because” in Writing The word because serves a simple but powerful function in the English language: it connects ideas by showing cause and effect. When a writer says something happened because of something else, they are establishing a logical relationship between two events or conditions. This makes it easier for readers to follow the writer’s reasoning and understand the motivations, consequences, or logic behind a statement. For instance, in the sentence, “She apologized because she realized her mistake,” the word…

Introduction to Relative Pronouns What Is a Pronoun? In the English language, a pronoun is a word used in place of a noun. Its primary purpose is to avoid repetition and make sentences smoother and more concise. For example, instead of saying: Maria saw Maria’s friend at the store because Maria was shopping for Maria’s groceries.  We would typically say: Maria saw her friend at the store because she was shopping for groceries.  In this example, she and she are pronouns that replace the noun Maria. This helps to streamline…

Introduction to Figures of Speech and Their Role in Language Understanding the Concept of Figures of Speech Figures of speech are linguistic tools that allow speakers and writers to express ideas in a non-literal and imaginative way. Rather than saying something directly and literally, these expressions use creativity and indirect language to evoke imagery, emphasize meaning, or stir emotion. In essence, a figure of speech operates as a symbolic or metaphorical expression designed to highlight something more profound than the words alone might suggest. For instance, when someone says, “He…

Understanding the ACT and Why It Matters Introduction to the ACT The ACT is a college entrance exam that plays a critical role in the admissions process for many colleges and universities across the United States. Its purpose is to assess high school students’ academic readiness for college by evaluating their knowledge and problem-solving skills in core academic areas. The ACT is used alongside other application components such as GPA, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and recommendation letters to build a comprehensive picture of each student. The test is developed to…

Understanding the ACT and Creating a One-Week Study Plan What is the ACT? The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized college admissions test used widely across the United States. It is designed to assess a high school student’s academic skills and readiness for college-level work. The ACT includes four main sections — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — with an optional Writing section. Each section is timed, and the questions are multiple-choice. Your total ACT score is an average of your scores in the four required sections, scaled from…